How did this grant contribute to the realization of your project in regard to artistic exchange, local cultural development and/or the promotion of cultural diversity?

The project that has been realised in Beirut was the performance AQUAURBAN ROUTINES by METASITU on 11th october 2014 within the conference/workshop Beirut : Bodies in Public. It was organised by the Department of Philosophy and Architecture in American University of Beirut. Aquaurban Routines is a cartographic performance piece that looks at how these relationships are deeply related to one another, an intricate set of connections that form the social tissue weaved in this space. The purpose of the visit was twofold - to perform a site specific piece about the public spaces in Beirut and attend the conference/workshop Beirut: Bodies in Public. At Metasitu we do hope to have a long lasting future artistic collaborations and professional exchange with Beirut’s art scene and vice versa. We are deeply inspired by its environs and people.

How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?

Networking was one objective of my participation to the conference. I wish there was a larger collaboration between European and Arab partners, like the RCF or Delfina Foundation. I find that often artistic platforms are very entropic and more initiatives to bridge the euro-arab geographical region should be sought. Mobility has absolutely given us a competitive edge, reason why at METASITU we are trying to develop our workshop as internationally as possible. We have managed to gain an insight into a culture and a scene that otherwise would have remain foreign to us. Thanks to modern social media technologies, we are able to keep in touch with the people we met during our visit.

Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?

The international set-up provided me with a great learning experience and provide the insights about Beirut public spaces and their development. Knowing better the Lebanese artistic scene allows to have a better thinking for our future cooperations.

Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)

http://www.metasitu.com http://www.metasitu.com